Maldives President strips Nasheed from ex- president’s benefits

April 20, 2016, 1:28 PM IST

Male :Maldives President Abdulla Yameen has ratified a bill that strips former president Mohamed Nasheed of state benefits, security and privileges.

According to the amendments in the 2009 Privileges and Protection for Former Presidents Act brought by the ruling Progressive Party, it states that benefits will be revoked for an ex-president convicted and sentenced to jail for a criminal offence committed during his presidency, reports Maldives Independent.

Former president Nasheed was sentenced to 13 years in prison after controversially found guilty of terrorism in March 2015 over the arrest of a judge during his tenure.

With the publication of the amendments in the government gazette yesterday, Nasheed is no longer entitled to security and protection from military bodyguards as well as medical insurance, a monthly pension.

The decision comes after government revoked decision to extend Nasheed’s medical leave in the United Kingdom.

He became the country’s first democratically elected president in 2008 after decades of autocratic rule. Following public opposition after his order on arresting a judge, he was forced to resign. In 2013, he lost a second bid at the presidency. (ANI)